As Tang San got closer and closer to the " Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well," he felt that this place was simply a holy land for alchemists and a paradise for poison masters! Countless exotic flowers and herbs that he had only seen in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record diagrams were now growing alive right before his eyes.
Tang San's gaze was drawn to the countless exotic flowers and herbs here. Almost every single one made his breath quicken. Each of these herbs was incredibly precious, yet here they grew like ordinary weeds. If he could possess these herbs, he could concoct more poisons to use on his Hidden Weapon, greatly enhancing their Hidden Weapon.
As Tang San walked, he explained the properties of the herbs he knew to Dugu Bo.
His excitement reached its peak when his gaze swept over several spots that clearly showed signs of harvesting, with only a few remnants remaining.
Based on the remaining stems and the records in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record), Tang San could determine that the herbs picked were the immortal Immortal Herb described in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record. The stems were exactly the same as those described in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record.
There were... Narcissus Jade Muscle Bone, Aromatic Silk Beauty... Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass, and Infernal Delicate Apricot... The more Tang San looked, the more shocked and heartbroken he became. These things that were taken away were all among the most exquisite immortal items, with miraculous effects!
He could no longer contain himself and abruptly turned to Dugu Bo, his voice trembling with urgency. " Senior Dugu! These... these herbs that were taken away, did you take them?" He pointed to the spots where they had been picked, his eyes burning with desire.
Dugu Bo hummed in agreement.
"Did I take it?"
"Could the younger generation be allowed to meet him?"
Why are you so concerned about that herb?
"Senior, you are unaware of this. My master once showed me a rare book recording rare and exotic herbs, which included those few items. My master told me that those were Immortal Herb, legendary things, and it's not even certain if they still exist today! Now that I have the opportunity to see them, I naturally want to see them."
Upon hearing that Tang San also recognized those Immortal Herb, Dugu Bo became interested. However, he remained outwardly calm and asked in return, "Oh? You recognize those herbs that were taken away?"
Tang San took a deep breath, trying to calm his surging blood and qi, but his voice still couldn't hide his excitement. "Yes, senior! Those aren't ordinary herbs, but celestial treasures created by the very essence of heaven and earth! For example, that one should be the ' Singular Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum,' which, when consumed, circulates qi throughout the limbs and blood through the eight meridians, allowing one to cultivate an indestructible body; those two over there should be the ' Octagonal Mysterious Ice Grass ' and the ' Infernal Delicate Apricot,' which, if consumed simultaneously and with a special absorption method, can temper the bones and muscles, greatly increase Soul Power Level, and even grant one an invulnerable body. Senior, any one of these Immortal Herb is enough to transform Soul Master, and anyone who obtains and consumes it will surely make rapid progress in a short time, building an unparalleled foundation!"
Tang San recounted the effects of the main Immortal Herb one by one, as if he knew them by heart.
Dugu Bo listened quietly, his heart churning with emotion. Although he already knew the general effects of these Immortal Herb from Lin Yan, hearing Tang San explain them in such detail, even with a touch of fervor, gave him a different feeling. Lin Yan had spoken calmly, as if he had only collected some ordinary things, but seeing Tang San's current reaction, Dugu Bo truly realized the priceless value of those Immortal Herb.
"What this kid said is almost identical to what Lin Yan said, and even more detailed. It seems that his expertise in pharmacology and toxicology is indeed unfathomable," Dugu Bo thought to himself.
After Tang San finished speaking and stared at him expectantly, Dugu Bo spoke calmly, shattering Tang San's illusions. "That's right, I already know what you've said. Those Immortal Herb have indeed been picked by me. However, I've used them all up, so I can't show them to you."
Dugu Bo would never tell his disciple Lin Yan that the Immortal Herb were all on him. Dugu Bo, being a shrewd man, was certainly aware of the saying, "A common man is innocent, but possessing a treasure is a crime."
Despite having anticipated it, hearing it directly from Dugu Bo still left Tang San with an indescribable sense of loss and heartache, as if he had missed a tremendous opportunity.
Tang San opened his mouth, but ultimately a bitter smile escaped his lips, "So that's how it is."
Tang San sighed inwardly, wondering why fate was so cruel, allowing him to see this long-desired treasure land and so many precious items. This feeling of seeing but not being able to obtain them was like a hundred claws scratching at his heart, causing him extreme distress.
Seeing Tang San's dejected look, as if he'd lost his soul, Dugu Bo coughed and changed the subject. "Alright, kid, stop looking like you've lost your parents. The Immortal Herb are gone, there's no point in dwelling on it. Since you recognize the herbs here, as agreed before, tell me in detail. If I'm satisfied, I'll let you go!"
Upon hearing this, Tang San's spirits lifted slightly. Although he couldn't obtain the Immortal Herb, being spared by a Titled Douluo and being able to study these rare herbs up close near the " Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well " was itself a stroke of good fortune. He composed himself and regained his focus.
"Yes, senior," Tang San replied, then began to point to the surrounding herbs and explain each one in detail.
"This is the ' Star Luo Spirit Pearl,' which can draw upon the power of the stars at night, emitting a faint glow. It is one of the main ingredients for refining pills that enhance spiritual power. It must be harvested at midnight and enveloped with Soul Power..."
"That's the ' Radiant Dragon Blood Orchid,' containing a trace of true dragon blood energy. Its medicinal properties are domineering; it can be directly ingested to unleash potential, but the risks are extremely high. It requires the protection of a powerful being or the assistance of gentler medicines to temper it..."
Tang San spoke eloquently, clearly explaining the knowledge about these herbs recorded in the Mysterious Heaven Treasure Record, combined with his own understanding. His words were precise, not only stating the medicinal properties, but also explaining their growth habits, how to combine them, and why they were contraindicated, demonstrating an extremely solid and profound foundation in pharmacology.
Dugu Bo listened quietly, growing increasingly alarmed. Many herbs that he had struggled to understand for years were explained in a few words by Tang San. As Titled Douluo, he possessed powerful mental strength and an exceptional memory; every word Tang San spoke was etched into his mind as if engraved.
Time passed slowly as Tang San explained, and most of the medicinal herbs in the valley were identified. Dugu Bo gained a great deal, feeling that many of his previous doubts about cultivating poison techniques now had new ideas and solutions.
After Tang San finished explaining the last rather peculiar herb, Dugu Bo nodded in satisfaction.
"Young man, you are indeed well-versed in pharmacology; what you said was true." Dugu Bo spoke slowly. "You have proven your worth and fulfilled your promise. I keep my word; let's settle our previous grievances here."
Tang San felt a great weight lifted from his heart and bowed respectfully, saying, "Thank you for your magnanimity, Senior."
"However," Dugu Bo's tone shifted, becoming serious again, "You possess the method to counteract the Jade Phosphorus Snake Venom, a matter concerning the very foundation of my Dugu Family's Martial Soul. I may not pursue how you learned it, nor force you to hand over the method, but you must promise never to reveal this method to anyone, not even your closest confidants, such as Yu Xiaogang, Flender, or your little girlfriend!"
Upon hearing this, Tang San's heart skipped a beat. He knew that the Tang Sect Secret Arts were not to be easily passed on, and the Mysterious Heaven Skill and the Poison Scripture were even more crucial secrets, which could not be easily revealed to others. He pondered for a moment, then looked up to meet Dugu Bo's sharp gaze, and said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "Senior, I can promise that as long as the Dugu Family and those related to you do not actively make enemies of me, my teachers, or my friends, I will never reveal the method to restrain the Jade Phosphorus Snake Venom to anyone, nor will I use this method to actively attack the Dugu Family."
He spoke skillfully, making a guarantee while leaving himself room for maneuver. After all, he couldn't completely entrust his safety to the other party's goodwill.
Dugu Bo, being a seasoned veteran, naturally understood Tang San's underlying meaning. He stared at Tang San for a moment, then suddenly let out a low, enigmatic laugh, "What a cunning lad! Very well, I'll concede another step. As long as you, Tang San, don't become an enemy of my Dugu Family, I, Dugu Bo, and the Dugu Family will not stand against you. Are you satisfied with this promise?"
This amounted to a verbal agreement of non-aggression. For Tang San at his current level, receiving such a promise from a Titled Douluo was already an unexpected delight. Without further hesitation, he solemnly declared, "Senior is truly generous! This junior, Tang San, hereby swears to abide by the agreement I made with Senior Dugu today!"
"Very good." Dugu Bo nodded. "This matter is settled. I will now escort you back."
Without waiting for Tang San's response, he flicked his sleeve again, and a gentle Soul Power enveloped Tang San. The two of them flashed away and left the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well Valley.
The return journey was still incredibly fast. The wind whistled in his ears, and Tang San looked at the mountains and rivers rushing past below, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
"Although the Immortal Herb is gone, the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well is still there, and the remaining precious medicinal herbs are still there... Perhaps, there will be another chance in the future..." A thought quietly grew in his heart.
Before long, Shrek Academy came into view. Dugu Bo put Tang San down outside a grove of trees near the academy.
"Boy, you'd better watch yourself. Remember your promise." Dugu Bo left these words behind, his dark green figure swayed slightly, and then disappeared from the spot like Gui Mei, as if he had never been there.